Half-way through the night I found myself looking for my puffy to keep me warmer inside my sleeping bag; it was cold last night. Knowing the day would start out with a pretty long climb, I wanted to get started early to beat the heat. Got out around 0620 and quickly caught up with Gord, Alex and Johnny. All of us were pretty psyched because around lunchtime we’d be arriving at the Chicken Spring Lake; another swim opportunity!
The trail ascended through meadows and pine trees and we were making steady progress. Just before reaching the lake, which was secluded from our sights by the a big ridge, I checked my phone to find I had cell-service. I used the opportunity to video-chat with the home, which was real fun because I got to share the beautiful mountain views. This was the same place I spotted my first marmot of the trip. They are such funny creatures, always make me smile.
We climbed over the ridge and finally sighted the long awaited lake. It was pretty idyllic, and lunch time would be the perfect time to catch our breath, rinse out some clothes and swim. Pops, Thad and Jukebox were there too, apparently not getting as far ahead of me as I would have thought. They were getting ready to continue their big day though, so it was a brief re-encounter. As they made their way up the switchbacks on the ridge along the lake we hooted and howled to each-other, the echos of our calls bouncing of the massive rocky walls surrounding the lake.
Every now and again the wind would pick up, and with it would come a swarm of countless may-flies. They were literally everywhere. We’d spend some time relieving our clothes and gear of them, and all would be calm for some time, before the wind would bring in another swarm. I devoured some lunch and then waded into the icy cool water. When I plunged into the mountain lake, the refreshing water was welcome shock to the senses. I climbed out of the water onto one of the big boulders in the lake and dried up in the sun. Very relaxing. Unfortunately the lovely lakeside chill session came to an end and we started packing up climb along the ridge adjacent to the lake.
The last couple of miles would be downhill. Somewhere during the day my mp3-player stopped working. It was a cheap thing, so I was merely bummed out to be without music now, no mourning for the device. Let’s see if I can pick up something similar in town. During the day I was making up my mind on how to fill in the following sections. The campsite we’d be camping at tonight will put us 6 miles away from the Mt. Whitney Trail. From there it is eight miles to the summit. Many people do a sunrise summit, but because PCT-hikers are not allowed to camp along the Mt. Whitney trail (why I don’t know, just that we’re required to camp on the PCT or at nearby Crabtree Meadows). Aiming for a sunrise at the summit would mean a very early start, around 0200 am. If I would consider this, that would mean I’d be hanging out at the start of the Mt. Whitney trail for almost a full day tomorrow. Doing nothing. This mean I’d likely run out of food before heading into town, because I foresaw the likely scenario of me mucking around all day with nothing to do, and thus eating everything left in my food-bag. To save time, I could summit in the morning or afternoon, however I would then not have the beautiful sights which make a sunrise-summit attractive. Decisions, decisions.
I haven’t made up my mind yet.
We’re camped at the base of the climb leading up to Crabtree Meadows and the Mt. Whitney Trail, 6 miles from here. There is a pretty big creek flowing nearby, making for some great white-noise and after grabbing some dinner with the Canadian gentlemen, I decided I had had enough of the vicious mosquito’s and headed into my tent. Tomorrow I’ll have to make up my mind about what summit-approach I’ll take. I will get up early, hike towards the trail-head and decide then and there.
I’m not saying it is your fault
Although you could’ve done more
Oh you’re so naive, yet so
How could this be done?
You’re such a smiling sweetheart
Oh, and your sweet and pretty face
In such an ugly way,
Something so beautiful
That every time I look inside
I know, she knows that I’m not fond of askin’
True or false it may be,
She’s still out to get me
Naive – The Kooks
